From 1987, when the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, different surgical techniques were done by laparoscopic approach. We analised the type of the surgical procedures performed in the University Hospital Brugmann between 1995 – 2004: in the first 5 years (1995 – 2000) laparoscopic approach was used for cholecystectomies, surgery of the gastro-esophageal disease, perforated ulcer, appendectomies, splenectomies, treatment of the groin hernias, small bowell obstruction, colectomies and gastrectomies.

From 2000 we used the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of the post-incisional hernias and in the last years for surgical treatment of obesity and retroperitoneal tumors. Postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic techniques was lower than for the similar open procedures, especially for postoperative pain, surgical site infections and incisional hernias.

Conclusions: 70 – 75% of the surgical techniques were performed by laparoscopic approach. 25% from the operations were done by open approach, especially the operations performed in emergency, re-interventions and other complex situations. Postoperative haemorrhage and re-interventions by laparoscopic approach there are our present chalange.